Angela's Tips and Tricks for International Travel

Before I began traveling with Land + See, I was a chaotic over-packer.  Just prior to my very first trip with them, Mandy convinced me to look into bringing just a carry-on and personal item instead of checking a bag. Because we switched destinations throughout the trip, had to lug our bags over cobblestone streets, and often stayed in hotels without elevators, I decided to heed that advice. Here are some tips that I have learned and adopted after seven trips with Land + See. 

General packing

-Carry-on only is your best friend. You can check your suitcase full of dirty clothes on the way back, but don’t risk losing your stuff on the way there. 

-If you must check a bag, make sure your carry-on has a few days of clothes and all essentials (meds, contacts, money, etc.) in case your bag doesn’t make it to your destination with you. 

-If you plan to bring home souvenirs or more items than you brought with you, pack a light tote bag in your suitcase/personal item to use as an additional bag (if you’re checking your suitcase on the way back).

-Convert any liquid you can into a solid (soap, deodorant, shampoo bars) so you can meet the TSA liquid limit for carry-on luggage. Every liquid/gel has to fit in one quart size bag, and no container can be more than 3.4 oz. If you throw away empty containers at the end of your trip it makes more room in your bag. Utilize the hotel toiletries if you’re not picky about products. 

-Look into curating a capsule wardrobe so you can rewear pieces yet still make it look like different outfits. This is not as doable in the hot summer months. 

-Find a packing method that works for you. Some people roll their clothes. I find that folding mine into squares works better for me. Some fit clothes to shape of their suitcase. There is no “best” way to pack clothes that works for every single person. Mess around with different packing strategies to make it work for you. 

-I don’t use regular packing cubes because they don’t save space. I do bring a few to help organize my stuff when we go place to place. Compression cubes and vacuum seal bags are ideal if you do decide to organize your clothes that way. 

-Wear your heaviest shoes, coat, etc. on the plane to save space in your luggage. I usually wear my walking shoes onto the plane and pack one pair of sandals in my suitcase for summer trips. I have a pair of slippers in my backpack to wear on the plane so I can take my heavy shoes off on long flights. 

-If you’re bringing a hat, fill the inside of the hat to make better use of the space. Bras are a perfect example of something to put inside a hat. This can help maintain the shape of the hat and bras. 

-Pack more underwear than you think you’ll need, especially on a summer trip. Many travelers end up taking two showers a day. 

-It’s smart to have one clean outfit left on the return in case your flight gets delayed and you have to spend the night in Paris.

Medication

-Check to make sure your medications are allowed in the country you are visiting and get a doctor’s note if needed. Some countries are stricter than others (Japan) and do not allow certain medications no matter what. 

-Bring copies of prescriptions. I’ve never been questioned about putting all of my medications in those daily reminder containers, but bring the medicines in the original bottles if you want to be safe. TSA does not require medications to be in the original packaging, but other countries might. From what I’ve seen, all over the counter meds, supplements, etc. can be mixed up in one container. Definitely put any controlled substances (ex: Adderall) in the original container. You may be asked about your meds at customs, but I have never run into that. 

-If your medication is in liquid form you must notify TSA security before they scan your bags. This does not count against your liquids limit. 

-You can never bring enough pain reliever. I bring more Ibuprofen each time. 

-Bring any other over the counter meds that you might need (Dramamine for ferry/boat rides), as well as a small customized emergency kit. 

Currency

-Order currency from your local bank before the trip instead of ATMs or the airport because your bank has a better exchange rate. Regions charges a $5 fee if you take out $250 or more. Ask for small bills to keep from having to break larger bills later. 

-They rarely split checks in Europe so if you’re going with a big group be prepared to pay cash for dinners.

-Choose local currency (ex. Euros) on the pin pad if you pay with a card at a store or restaurant (better conversion rate).

-Don’t use your debit card! They charge you a fee for each swipe. Use a credit card or local currency. 

Handy items

-Cotopaxi backpacks open like a suitcase and have a lot of organized space. The 28L Allpa is the perfect size for a personal item and fits sideways under the plane seat.

-Wear a money belt or fanny pack that’s attached in front of you so it makes it harder for pickpocketers to get to your stuff.

-If you are traveling in the summer, bring a handheld fan and/or a neck fan. I use both. 

-Ziploc baggies and plastic grocery store shopping bags have a variety of uses during travel and take up no space. 

International 

-Check what type of outlet adapter you will need for the country or countries you will be visiting. Get a voltage adapter for things like hair styling tools unless they are dual voltage. I purchased an inexpensive hair straightener that is dual voltage so I can use it without an adapter. Hairdryers are pretty much standard in European hotels so leave yours at home. 

-In hotels in Europe you have to put the key card in the slot by the door to turn the lights and air on. Many times you have to make sure the doors and windows are completely shut before the air will kick on. 

-I learned the hard way in Scotland that many sinks in Europe have a drain plug in the sink that has to be pushed to be released. An embarrassing call to hotel staff oriented me to that difference. 

-Get TSA Precheck if you fly more than once a year and Global Entry if you fly internationally. TSA Precheck will expedite your security process when leaving from the U.S. Global Entry will help you skip the long custom lines upon arrival to the U.S. 

Land + See specific

-We usually go to 3 different hotels/locations so I like to put the clothes for the next destination in my backpack (personal bag) and rotate as we move so things are easier to find. Packing cubes can come in handy to help organize, but don’t expect them to save space. 

-Bring one nice outfit in case we do a fancy dinner. 

-Bring enough cash to cover your dinners on the trip. It is difficult to find a restaurant to split checks, especially with so many travelers, so adding your cash for what you ordered to the pot in the middle is the most efficient way to pay. 

-Get out of your comfort zone and go with the flow. Some of my favorite travel memories happened when things didn’t go as planned. 

-The strangers you meet while on the trip may become family to you. Many of us have become life-long (so far) friends and keep in touch long after the trip has ended. 

Our Day in Ewangan: A Photoblog of Our Visit with the Maasai

Visiting Ewangan is one of those experiences that’s almost impossible to put into words. How do you describe the pure energy that fills the air? The laughter that feels like it’s contagious, spreading to everyone around? There’s a certain vibrancy here, a rhythm that pulses through the village and connects every soul, and it’s something that stays with you long after you leave.

Our host, James, has given us this incredible glimpse into his world twice now. First, two years ago, my family and I stayed in James’ dung hut, gathered around a fire, chanting our new Maasai names as the lions roared nearby. And then again this year, when we brought a group of 16 back to share in what we all agreed was one of the greatest days of our lives. The sense of warmth, community, and authenticity in Ewangan is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

Our hosts prepared the most delicious meal—boiled cabbage, potatoes, pasta, and stewed meat. Simple, yet so rich with the flavors of the land. We sat in the shade, sipping fresh-squeezed juice in the heat of the day. The atmosphere was calm, yet it didn’t last long. Soon, the rhythmic, chants of the local women filled the air as they began to dance and sing their traditional Maasai tunes. Their voices were powerful, their movements graceful, reaching out to us urging us to join in.

Then the men stepped forward, their tall frames casting long shadows as they began their famous jumping dance. The energy was electrifying as they leaped into the air with impressive agility, their bodies almost defying gravity. Each thud of their feet against the earth echoed like a heartbeat—a steady rhythm that reverberated through the village. The higher they jumped, the more attention they attracted, as tradition says that the highest jumper is seen as the strongest and most worthy. A few of our group tried to join in, but of course, none of us could compete with the Maasai!

The local women also taught us how to make beaded bracelets, a skill passed down through generations. Many of them took over when we failed to be star pupils, their patience and expertise shining through as they guided us with grace. We were able to purchase many handicrafts and unique items from these talented women, each piece carrying a story of the land and its people.

After the energetic display, we set off on a nature walk through the dry, cracked earth, the sun beating down above us. Our Maasai guides, Jacob and Jonathan, led us through the brush, pointing out the local flora and fauna. The air was thick with the smell of dust and acacia, and the occasional hum of insects filled the silence. Jacob showed us elephant dung—its barky, light brown pellets a reminder of the mighty animals that roam the land. He explained that the Maasai brew tea from the dung, which is said to cure stomach aches. Along the way, he pointed out plants with medicinal properties—some were healing, others poisonous. One plant, with a sticky milky substance, could cause blindness if it got in your eyes. The antidote? Breast milk or the blood of a dog. It was such a stark contrast to the safety and ease we often take for granted at home, and when Trent accidentally bumped into a limb, we all burst out laughing as he jokingly shouted, “Get the breast milk, quick!”

Next, we made our way to the local well—an essential lifeline for the community, funded by visitors like us. This well is part of a larger initiative, with James and the community working together to improve life here. Not far from the well, the school, clinic, and technology center stand as symbols of progress. Before the well was built, women had to walk to the nearby river to fetch water, risking disease and dangerous animal encounters.

Our next stop was Semadep School, where we found several boarding students still playing, their laughter ringing through the air. Peter, one of our fellow travelers, had arranged a generous donation of books from the local chapter of Books for Africa. We handed out the books, along with soccer balls, frisbees, jump ropes, and sweets. The joy on the children’s faces was unmistakable. Their energy was contagious, and in that moment, the contrast between our lives was so clear—but so was the powerful connection we shared. It was a reminder that while material wealth may differ, joy, laughter, and shared humanity are universal.

Education in Kenya is not free, and many families, especially those in rural areas like Ewangan, send their children to boarding schools as young as four years old. The nearest day schools are often too far to travel, so families make the sacrifice of sending their children away to ensure they have a brighter future. Sponsorship can be life-changing for these children, giving them access to education and opportunities they might not otherwise have.

If you’re interested in helping, there are several ways you can support Ewangan and sponsor a child’s education. You can donate directly to the school or help with costs like school fees, uniforms, and supplies. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of these kids, giving them the tools they need to succeed. Learn more here.

As we left, there was a palpable sense of purpose, of meaning. Our visit wasn’t just about giving—it was about building connections and contributing in ways that matter. It was about realizing that, no matter how different our worlds might seem, we share the same values: love, community, and a shared desire for a better future.

After the school visit, we had the chance to try our hand at shooting bow and arrows, a skill passed down through generations of Maasai warriors. Kara, unsurprisingly, turned out to be the best of the group, her arrow hitting its target with precision while the rest of us fumbled our shots. We laughed, we learned, and we soaked in the experience, feeling the weight of it all settle in.

One of the most eye-opening moments came when we visited Maria's dung hut. Maria, a local lady, lives there with her eight children and goats. The room was filled with smoke from the fire burning inside, and the stark contrast between her simple, smoke-filled home and our lives back home was striking. It gave us a glimpse into a world so different from our own, a reminder of how much we take for granted and how deeply we are connected to the people and places we visit.

Saying goodbye to Ewangan was hard. Our time there felt like a beautiful dream, one where we were all part of something bigger than ourselves. As we left, the golden landscape stretched out before us, and we carried with us the echoes of laughter, the spirit of the Maasai, and a deep sense of connection that will stay with us forever.

What to Pack: Kenya in a Carry-On

Packing for a safari to Kenya can be an overwhelming task, but when you’re traveling with just a carry-on, it can be downright scary.

But not to fear, Land + See is here!

Even though it requires careful planning and preparation to make sure you have all the necessary items, you absolutely can and should treat Kenya like any other carry-on friendly destination. To help ease your mind we’ve created a go-to packing list to ensure you don’t leave anything important behind.

Clothing

1. Lightweight, breathable clothes:

   • 3–4 T-shirts or long-sleeve shirts (neutral colors like beige, green, or khaki).

   • 2–3 pairs of lightweight pants or convertible zip-off trousers.

   • 1 pair of shorts (optional for lodge downtime).

   • 1–2 lightweight dresses or skirts (optional for evenings).

2. Warm layers for early mornings and evenings:

   • 1 fleece jacket or warm sweater.

   • 1 lightweight windbreaker or rain jacket (February can bring occasional showers).

3. Undergarments and socks:

   • Enough for the trip, or plan to wash items.

4. Comfortable shoes:

   • 1 pair of sturdy, closed-toe shoes or hiking boots.

   • 1 pair of sandals for relaxing at the lodge or camp.

5. Hat and sunglasses:

   • Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.

   • Polarized sunglasses.

6. Swimsuit:

   • For lodges with pools.

7. Sleepwear:

   • Comfortable and weather-appropriate.

Toiletries and Personal Care

1. Travel-size toiletries:

   • Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, and any personal items.

   • Biodegradable options are preferred.

2. Sunscreen (high SPF):

   • Essential for sun protection.

3. Bug spray with DEET or Picaridin:

   • For mosquitoes and other insects.

4. Lip balm with SPF:

   • Protect against sun and wind.

5. Travel laundry detergent:

   • For washing clothes if needed.

Gear and Accessories

1. Daypack (small backpack):

   • To carry essentials during game drives (camera, water, etc.).

2. Binoculars:

   • Essential for wildlife viewing.

3. Camera with extra batteries or charger:

   • Or a smartphone with plenty of storage.

4. Reusable water bottle:

   • Stay hydrated; many lodges provide water for refills.

5. Universal power adapter:

   • Kenya uses Type G plugs (UK-style).

6. Lightweight scarf or buff:

   • For dust protection during drives.

7. Notebook or journal:

   • To record your safari experiences.

8. Headlamp or flashlight:

   • Handy for nighttime use in camps.

9. Travel documents:

   • Passport, visa, travel insurance, and any necessary permits (printed and digital copies).

Health and Safety

1. First-aid kit:

   • Pain relievers, antihistamines, motion sickness medication, band-aids, etc.

2. Malaria prevention medication:

   • Consult a doctor before your trip.

3. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes:

   • For hygiene on the go.

4. Masks (optional):

   • For dust or personal comfort.

Packing Tips

1. Layer and roll clothing:

   • Saves space in your carry-on.

2. Wear bulkier items on the plane:

   • Like your hiking boots and jacket.

3. Keep liquids in a quart-sized bag:

   • Follow airline carry-on restrictions.

4. Check baggage weight limits:

   • Ensure your carry-on and backpack meet size and weight requirements.